Student departure form
Grace Periods and Departure
Please complete your departure form to notify us of your plans in advance. Contact an ISO advisor聽with any questions or to discuss your departure plans further.
Grace periods
Once your program or activity ends, your ability to remain in the country after your completion date will depend on your聽grace period. For more information about grace periods, visit .
Students: F-1 and J-1 visa categories
Students and exchange visitors who have maintained valid F-1 or J-1 status聽are eligible for a grace period after finishing their program. During this time, you may:
- 罢谤补惫别濒听within the United States and make plans to return home
- Transfer your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record to another school
- Change your Immigration Status (COS) through USCIS
You may not use an expired I-20 or DS-2019 to re-enter the United States during your grace period.
If you鈥檙e leaving your program prior to completion, the grace period will be shortened or eliminated. In that case, you should leave the country or make other arrangements quickly.
F-1 grace period lengths
- Completion of program: 60 days
- Authorized withdrawal: 15 days
- Unauthorized withdrawal: None
J-1 grace period lengths
- Completion of program: 30 days
- Authorized withdrawal: None
- Unauthorized withdrawal: None
Other immigration categories
There are no grace periods for other immigration categories, including H-1B and other temporary workers.